The street of L’Ecole de Médecine is known in Geneva for its bars and nightlife. Danielle thought it was the perfect location to open a creative gift shop where every single object makes you smile.
The place is called La boutique de Claudie and when I ask the owner who is Claudie? She tells me that it’s a private joke and adds: “this place is not to be taken too seriously”. Danielle welcomes her clients with Barry White songs and occasionally she might dance a little. Her boutique looks totally like her: it’s a very happy place. On my right, the famous Pyro Pet candles in the shape of animals. Pyro Pet candles were invented by a student at the Royal College of Art in London in 2011. When they burn, a skeleton appears. One of the shelves displays the designer “Coucou Suzette” jewellery on the theme of love. The necklace called “1st rendez-vous at the cinema” is really worth the detour. You just need to find the right person to offer it to…
To my left, mermaid blankets, tea cups, small cushions, a doormat in the shape of a Big ice-cream. The whole display is harmonious, filled with a joy of living.
From 5CHF, it’s possible to buy one of these “precious” items, that are sometimes a bit kitsch I’ll admit, but they will be remembered for a long time because everything here is so smart and funny. Don’t forget to take a look at the designs of Mona Wey from Bern, Switzerland.
PS: Danielle is the mother of the designer Chloé née à Genève…
Photographie © My Big Geneva
1, rue de l’Ecole de Médecine, 1205 Geneva
Tue to Sat 11am-6.30pm
+41228001718